One of the most popular spectator classes at any show, particularly a national one, is the native costume class. Horses and riders bedecked in colorful tasseled costumes with glittering accents canter and gallop about the ring in a spectacle reminiscent of their Bedouin ancestors charging over sand dunes. Successful competitors must not only have brilliant motion but manners, as they are required to walk quietly. Often competitors will cross-enter in another discipline, typically Country English Pleasure or show hack. Displaying the versatility characteristic of the Arabian, Lil Mizz Honky Tonk is one such competitor with her owner-rider Sheri Harlow.

A sandy bay 14-year-old Half-Arabian mare with three matched white socks, "Honky" competes with Sheri in both Country English Pleasure, show hack, and native costume. The full sibling to several multi-regional and National winning Country and English horses, Honky almost didn't make it to the show ring. Bred by Bevans Arabians, Honky injured her neck in pasture as a yearling; the injury was significant enough that it was uncertain whether she would ever be able to be ridden. After a period of stall rest to recover from the initial injury, Honky spent the next few years of her life in pasture.

When Bevans retired from breeding Arabians, Honky was sold to Michael "Spike" Barter, a trainer in Oklahoma City, as a prospect with the caution that her ability to flex her neck might be limited. Started slowly, Honky progressed well in her training, with little sign that she had a previous neck injury. When Spike became ill, Honky was sent to his sister in Utah to continue her training. It was there that Sheri first met Honky.

Sheri had ridden for several years previously but had not ridden a saddleseat horse. When asked if she would like to try Honky, Sheri agreed. She enjoyed her ride so much that she immediately asked to buy Honky. Sheri and Honky learned the ins and outs of saddleseat riding together. In their first year competing, they won multiple class A placements and Region 8 Top Five in H/A Country English Pleasure Select Rider. From their initial show season, Sheri and Honky's successes flowed, with the pair winning an additional nine regional titles, including consecutive unanimous championships at Region 8 in native costume.

Contemplating retiring Honky at the end of last year's show season, Sheri took Honky home for the winter. There Honky enjoyed time in pasture and trail rides. In spring, Sheri began riding Honky again in earnest; Honky enjoyed her time schooling for shows, and Sheri rethought her decision to retire Honky. Given a limited time off from work and as they were qualified for regionals and nationals, Sheri decided to show Honky at Region 8 and Canadian Nationals. At Region 8, they continued their show ring successes, winning two Top Fives and one Regional Championship, verifying Sheri's decision to continue competing with Honky. Once an unlikely show prospect, Honky has become a talented show mare; with one Canadian National Top Ten in Half-Arabian AOTR Native Costume at this show, the pair are looking forward to returning to the ring this week to continue their show ring career.